Police arrest suspect over repeated graffiti on Penzberg prayer sign

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man after catching him allegedly spraying paint on a sign for Friday prayers at an Islamic community in Penzberg, BR reported. The sign, located at one of the town’s entrances, has been vandalised repeatedly in recent weeks.

Two plainclothes patrols caught the suspect in the act during the night before Friday. He allegedly tried to flee on a pedelec but was brought to the ground and provisionally arrested. Criminal police have taken over the investigation.

The police said no suspect had been identified in the previous cases. Signs pointing to the Islamic community’s Friday prayers had been sprayed with paint several times since mid-July. The latest signs were secured by police, who are investigating whether the 23-year-old was responsible for all of the incidents.

Sign for Friday prayers said to be unique in Germany

The town of Penzberg decided to place a sign for the Islamic community’s Friday prayers at its entrances alongside signs for Catholic and Protestant services. According to Penzberg imam Benjamin Idriz, the arrangement is unique in Germany.

The community said it had received numerous threats and hate messages in connection with the project, as well as expressions of solidarity.

Interior minister condemns vandalism

Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said in late July that painting over a sign for Friday prayers was unacceptable. “Religious diversity belongs to Bavaria. It is an expression of the freedom and democratic self-understanding of our country,” Herrmann told BR. “Protecting and strengthening these values is our shared responsibility.”

He said respect for all religious communities and their institutions was a fundamental requirement for peaceful coexistence.